The vandalism of a Co Antrim war memorial after Remembrance Sunday has been condemned as a cowardly attack motivated by hatred.

The monument in Glenavy bears the name of soldiers who died in the two world wars, and was found defaced on all four sides with black spray paint yesterday.

It’s believed the attack happened overnight.

Ulster Unionist MP and former Army officer Danny Kinahan said such attacks “could not be tolerated”. “I am horrified to hear that the War Memorial in Glenavy has been vandalised and absolutely condemn this action,” he said.

“Last weekend, we paid our respects to the brave men and women, from all backgrounds, who have served in our forces.

“It is so disappointing to receive this news just after we have come together to remember those who gave their all. We must not tolerate hatred such as this and I offer my full support to the Glenavy community in moving forward.”

South Antrim DUP MLA Trevor Clarke hit out at the “cowardly” attack. He said: “This is a despicable incident and I utterly condemn it.

“It follows on from a day in which the south Antrim community came together in a solemn act of Remembrance, to remember all those brave men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

“This attack was cowardly and is in total contrast to those men and women who were remembered yesterday. This attack totally disrespectful and is not what the type of activity which the majority of people in Northern Ireland want to see within their communities.”

DUP councillor James Tinsley said: “Those who have done this have no respect for their community.”

Ulster Unionist MLA and former Royal Navy Commander Steven Aiken said: “I am appalled that this vile attack has taken place particularly so close to Remembrance Day. Over the past number of years great progress has been made with communities showing mutual respect for remembrance and understanding the past. Attacks like this drag us backwards.”

It’s understood that Lisburn and Castlereagh Council is to clean up the monument today.